Efficient and eco-friendly: the new potato storage facility in Gingelom
In Gingelom, in Belgian Limburg, Biets Aardappelen has recently completed the expansion and modernisation of an existing potato storage facility. A new, energy-efficient climate control system is being installed for eight storage cells. This will create an optimal and sustainable storage climate for potatoes, thereby maintaining product quality, minimising weight loss and reducing energy consumption.
The collaboration between Pomuni and Trudo Biets originated from the demand for “tasty firm-boiling potatoes” and has developed over the years into an intensive partnership, resulting in the realization of the PSB site.
Until 2021, Trudo’s company was located in the center of Gingelom, where the farm shop is also situated. Due to growth, the new site has since been established outside the village. The farm covers approximately 74 hectares, located within a 5 km radius around Gingelom. The cropping plan consists of potatoes, sugar beets, dry peas, grain maize, cereals, Conference pears, and carrots for the fresh market. In addition, the farm applies various eco-schemes and complies with the policy of the Flemish Land Agency, including the creation of flower strips and biodiversity zones.
Potatoes are the main activity of the farm, and the newest storage facilities have been designed for this purpose. The new construction from 2021 includes a 4,000 m² building with a central working area and storage capacity for 1,200 boxes without cooling, as well as 6 cells equipped with mechanical cooling for approximately 5,100 boxes (6,100 tonnes). Half of the building is used for the farm’s own storage, while the other half is used by other Pomuni growers.
The new storage buildings are not only used for storing potatoes for the fresh market but also serve as storage for Pomuni seed potatoes, ensuring optimal use of the facilities across different stages of the potato supply chain. In 2025, the facility was expanded with eight storage cells designed for boxes. Each compartment has a capacity of 350 boxes or 420 tonnes. With eight compartments, the total storage capacity amounts to approximately 3,350 tonnes of potatoes.
Climate installation
Each compartment is equipped with a climate unit with a cooling capacity of 50 kW. These units provide (mechanical) cooling, ventilation, and drying of the product. The system uses energy-efficient EC fans and the natural refrigerant R290 (propane), which has a very low environmental impact.
After storage, the potatoes are gradually cooled from approximately 15 °C to 4 °C or 7 °C, depending on the variety. During cooling, continuous controlled ventilation takes place to ensure a stable storage climate.
Smart climate control
The installation is controlled by the Vision Control storage computer. Sensors continuously measure product temperature, room temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentration. Based on this data, the storage climate is automatically adjusted, while automatic ventilation flaps and circulation fans ensure optimal air distribution through the boxes.
Sustainable and efficient
Through the use of modern climate units, energy-efficient fans, and smart climate control, energy consumption is significantly reduced. The use of the natural refrigerant R290 further contributes to a lower environmental impact. In addition, 1,350 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the new building, supplying electricity for the system. Excess electricity is fed back via energy sharing to the Pomuni Frozen site to support cooling, making the system even more sustainable and efficient.
Result
This project has resulted in a modern and sustainable storage facility with a total capacity of 9,500 tonnes of potatoes. Thanks to the stable storage climate, potatoes can be stored for long periods with minimal quality and weight loss.